The immersive language experience in the southern region of Japan was confirmed after Ara was successful in the latest Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia (PMSA) announced on 12 June.

“Japanese language at Ara is set apart by the emphasis on oral language skills, along with written language skills. Our graduates are equipped to speak confidently and develop bilingual skills appropriate for social, academic and professional environments so that they can study or work in Japan. The Bachelor of Language (Japanese) students will benefit so much from this immersion because there is nothing like practising the language in context and absorbing the cultural protocols in action as well,” Director of International Beth Knowles said.

The visit to Japan is also part of a programme of developing global relationships at Ara, which has so far extended to Japan, India, South Korea, China, USA, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Australia. International visits are of immense benefit to Ara students’ professional and personal development, helping them prepare to take on the world after graduation.

202 New Zealand students from universities and institutes of technology were selected to travel to top institutions throughout Asia as part of the second 2016/17 PMSA round.